Another year, another set of forecasted skincare trends and general beauty trends. In recent years (namely initiated by the pandemic), the beauty industry has seen a massive rise in everything from skin barrier protection, exfoliation, slugging, clean beauty, and sustainability—to hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, ceramides, and retinoids. There have been countless new, dermatologist-approved products in the form of serums, sunscreen, cleanser, body care and hair care. What was once deemed as one-size-fits-all solutions to everyday problems has evolved in recent years to reflect different skin types and concerns. Skincare brands are mindful of the fact that some people need deep hydration lotions or moisturizers due to dryness, while other people suffer from chronically oily skin and breakouts. Some people have pigmentation issues, while others deal with fine lines or eczema. Everyone has different needs to achieve healthy skin.
While there always tends to be some overlap, this year brings fresh buzzwords, short-lived hype (we’re looking at you, TikTok/social media/influencers), and science-backed claims to the beauty space. And while it’s impossible to know for sure what care trends or active ingredients will maintain longevity or prove effective to the masses, there are always estimated guesses. So for the 2023 year ahead, we’ve reached out to experts to share their thoughts. Keep reading for what they have to say about the skincare trends and popular skincare ingredients you can expect in 2023.
Caroline Candace, CNP, ROHP, is the founder and CEO of LOOK ORGANICS.
Sandy Skotnicki, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, the dermatology advisor at HIMS & HERS accessible prescriptions, and author of best-selling book Beyond Soap.
Consumers are becoming more conscious of what they put on their skin and in their body, realizing it’s all connected. “This internal approach focuses on improving the health of the skin from within by incorporating supplements and nutrients,” explains Caroline Candace, founder and CEO of LOOK ORGANICS. “These support skin health, and include collagen, protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.”
Thanks to advancements in technology, Candace sees a greater ability to analyze an individual's unique skin composition. “I believe personalized skincare products, routines, and consultations will become more popular,” she says. “I also see a rise in virtual skincare consultations.”
Also thanks to advancements in technology, “We may see more skincare products that use LED light therapy and microcurrents to enhance the effectiveness of skincare products,” Candace says.
Following an excessive skincare boom in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdown, 2022 saw minimalist skincare come to the surface. Dermatologist Sandy Skotnicki, MD, expects to see this trend grow in 2023. “Minimalist skincare is using only one or two products a day,” she says. “These are usually drugstore brands and have few ingredients.”
With the end of 2022 seeing a slight decline in overfilling the face, Dr. Skotnicki expects to see a rise in skinboosters for the new year. “They’ll continue taking users in a more minimalist and natural direction,” she says.
The doctor says some skinboosters are a subcategory of Restylane, a popular injectable filler with a specific formulation of non-animal-sourced hyaluronic acid. “They’re a very light filler that doesn’t give the skin volume,” she explains. “They’re injected in little amounts to give the skin a slight boost. It’s technically hyaluronic acid filler, but it’s the new fill-without-volume trend.”
In the same category of boosting the skin without filling are microneedling and PRP facials. “They’ll continue in popularity because they’re lower cost and use your own body's repairing devices to improve skin,” Dr. Skotnicki says.
We’ve already called skin cycling the “routine that works for everyone”—and Dr. Skotnicki says its popularity is only going to grow from here. “If you want to use a retinol but it makes you dry and irritated, this is for you,” she explains. “You cycle it during the week and only use it Tuesdays and Fridays. The other night you might use an antioxidant like vitamin C.”
Peptides are nothing new, but they’ve gained recent popularity—and Dr. Skotnicki expects these to appear as the featured ingredients in many products this year. “Many people find retinol and AHA acids irritating,” Dr. Skotnicki explains. “Peptides aren’t irritating, but you can get similar results as retinol.” And you can find these less aggressive, anti-aging actives in everything from skincare to lip balm.
Looking to swoop up the buzziest skincare products on the market? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.
Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!